I tuck Ari in and catch a ride from Vito. He decides he’s going to check out the party for a little while, as well. He saw the costume Jenny was going to be wearing and he wants to make sure, “she behaves” as he put it. Knowing what I now know about Jenny, she is on her own speed and brother or not watching her, she is going to do whatever she wants.
This is a charity event and someone is at the door checking tickets and id’s. We wait outside in line for a few minutes and then enter Benny’s. I spot Jenny and whom I presume to be Maura, standing close to the bar. Looking around the room, tons of people are in costumes, but the Devil’s Crusaders stick out wearing their leather vests. I see Mickey doing a shot, but haven’t spotted Daws yet. A part of me is anxious to see him, and the other part wants to avoid him.
Jenny waves me over, once she spots me. Her costume is a million times better in person than what she described to me. She is Switch from The Matrix and Maura is Trinity. The two look completely badass. Maura seems really nice and she is beautiful. I can see why Daws liked her. When I look at her in her pleather pants and then at myself in my ruby slippers, I can't help but feel inadequate. After doing a shot with the girls and chatting for a few minutes, I excuse myself to use the restroom.
There are so many people here. I’m not used to large crowds and with this many uncertainties, I feel my anxiety threaten to boil over. I clench my fist open and closed, trying to calm my nerves and that’s when I spot him. His back is to me, but Daws’ small ponytail and leather vest let me know instantly that it’s him. Some girl wearing way less than me, whose tits are so high they nearly touch her chin, is leaning over the table. I watch as her hand grazes his shoulder in a blatant flirtatious manner, and then I watch Daws peel her hand away.
Jules is sitting next to him in the booth. He’s another member of the Crusaders and is a good looking guy. His hair is bleached blonde and he has a goatee. He spots me and I realize that I’ve stopped walking and am just standing here staring at the whole thing. Jules motions with his beer to Daws for him to look at me, but it seems he’s too distracted to notice.
I head towards the table, suddenly shy about my costume. I’m feeling young and out of my league. The truth is I’m nineteen. I’ve had more bad than good. In fact, before Marcella and her family, the only good I’ve ever had was Ari. Now, standing here in this room I feel every bit of a fraud as my costume, right down to my ruby slippers. I can't click them and wish for a home, I’ve never had one of those.
“Daws but I need…” The barely dressed woman is cut off by Daws as she tries to talk to him.
“I don’t know how to make it more clear,” his voice isn’t raised but it’s dead cold, “This dick, it’s not for you, it doesn’t want you. You need to get fucked? Go fuck yourself.” I’ve never heard this kind of cruelty in his voice.
She huffs out a large breath and her shoulder slams into me, unapologetically as she storms off. Between Daws’ raised voice and the bimbo’s physical contact, I feel my vision start to tunnel and an attack feels imminent. Instead of stopping to say hello, I hurry to the restroom to make sure I don’t have another attack in front of him.
“Aubrey?” I hear him call as I scramble away. There is a line for the bathroom, but I shove past the women. Another woman is stepping out of the stall and I hurry in. I’m sure that people are yelling at me, but it’s background noise. I slam the stall door. I try to calm myself. I tell myself to breathe. I clench my fist. My vision gets hazier. I think I hear a man’s voice in the background but I’m not quite sure, everything feels muted.
Chapter 9
Daws
Shit, shit, shit! Aubrey just heard me going off on Big Titty Rhonda. Tits just won’t leave me alone. That was the third time she approached me tonight and with her hands on me, I lost it. I see her slam into Aubrey, I want to go after Rhonda and defend her but when Aubrey races past me I make the decision to chase Aubrey.
“Get lost,” I say to the ladies standing in line outside of the bathroom. I get a few dirty looks, but they know who I am. They’re at our event and my vest clearly says don’t fuck with me. There are only two stalls in the bathroom and luckily as soon as I walk in the last woman is opening the stall to leave. “Out!” I command, then turn the lock on the door so no one disturbs us. I see her ruby slippers sticking out the side of the stall. I open the door, which luckily was left unlatched. One hand is over her head braced against the wall. Her breaths are labored, rushing in and out like she is struggling to catch it. She hasn’t let her panic attack take her fully yet, but she is closed off enough that I don't think she knows I’m here.
“Aubrey, take a deep breath, sweet girl. Breathe for me.” I keep my voice low and as soft as it will go. I start to rub circles on her back whispering the same thing over and over again, hoping like hell that I can calm her nerves. By some stroke of luck, it seems to be working; her breathing is starting to even out.
“Daws?” She questions finally realizing it’s my voice she’s hearing. I’ve done my best to keep a safe distance from her, but I can’t help it. I grab her hand from the wall and spin her around cradling her in my arms. She smells so sweet, like berries, probably too sweet for me, but right now, all I want to do is to comfort her.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry you heard that. I’m a dick. I am. You don’t have to be afraid of me though. I promise I won’t hurt you. Just breathe for me. Okay? Just breathe for me.”
She curls into me, actually wraps her arms around my waist and curls into me. Her blue and white checkered outfit and her pigtails make her look young and innocent. She looks up at me, her green eyes emitting pain. “I’m not scared of you.” Those words escape her lips in the softest tone barely audible. I want to kiss her and caress her, but I know she isn't ready for that. She surprises me by reaching up on her tip toes and kissing me on the cheek.
“I’m okay,” she says as her fake smile masks her pain.
I stroke my thumb over her cheek. “Don’t do that,” I say then lean down close to her ear, “Don’t pretend with me.” She doesn’t give in to my quiet plea, though. She backs away from me, straightens her skirt, walks out the stall door and leaves the bathroom.
Women are relieved when I exit a moment later. “It’s about time,” I hear one snicker under her breath.
I watch Aubrey as she tries to get lost in the crowd. My eyes stay on her, always knowing where she is in the room. She makes her way back over to Maura and Jenny. I should feel something about Maura being here, but surprisingly I don’t. We had a few words outside. I was short with Maura, but I didn’t really want to be having any type of conversation. My mind has been so focused on Aubrey, and trying to make sure I don’t damage her any more than she has obviously been damaged that I really didn’t care to hash shit out with Maura. Anything that happened with her feels insignificant to what is going on now.
Vito, Jenny’s brother is circling the girls. He walks over to the ladies and starts laughing with them. I can’t hear what is said, but Aubrey’s laugh looks a little too forced.
Big Titty Rhonda approaches me again. This chick can’t take a hint no matter how many times I tell her.
“Daws baby you didn’t mean that before. I know what you need. Why don't you let me take care of you?” Is this chick for real?
“Do you like having a job?” She looks at me confused for a second.
“Yes, of course.”
“You shoulder checked Aubrey. You ever come anywhere near her or me again, you will find yourself looking for a new job in a new town.” Her jaw is slack. “Nod your head that you understand, then pick your jaw up and leave.”
“Fine, Daws. I’ll go to the other side of the bar and I won’t bother you no more tonight.”
“No doll. Don’t think you’re hearing me. I need you to grab your purse and walk out the door. Go home. Go get fucked. I don’t care what you do, but get the fuck out of here and away from me.”
She turns and storms away. I keep an eye on her making sure s
he exits the bar. Jenny manages to drag Aubrey to the dance floor, with her and Maura. Those two have always been wild together and I’m glad to see them take Aubrey into their fold. She looks stiff on the dance floor, but also amused.
After a few minutes of dancing, she leaves the group, walks up to the bar and waits for an opportunity to grab the bartender’s attention. I need to be near her. She might be wearing a smile, but I know she just nearly had a panic attack. I also know that there was something undeniable between us for a moment there. I thought I could stay away from her like that because she has a daughter, but I’ve only been fooling myself. Kid or not, I need to make her mine.
I move behind her and bring my face close to hers. My mouth is so close to her neck I could lick the bead of sweat that’s formed. “What do you want?” I drop my voice low. It’s laced with all kinds of innuendos. I’m so close, I can see her pulse throb in her neck. A crackle of a smile appears at the corner of her mouth and it’s a smile I am coming to know as my smile, it feels real, genuine and meant for me.
“Wha…what do you mean?”
I have her flustered.
“What are you drinking?”
“Oh, uh... water. It’s hot out there.”
I leap over the bar. Jack, the bartender, looks a little amused. I grab a large clear plastic cup, fill it with ice, grab the soda gun and pour in the water. I hand it to her, making sure to graze my fingers over hers as she grabs it.
“Dorothy looks good on you,” I grab a hold of one of her pigtails and swirl it around my finger. Vito approaches breaking our moment.
“You ready to go Aubrey?” He asks her, giving me a look that I’m not at all okay with.
“Uh, sure,” she responds gulping down her water.
“I’ll take her home,” I speak up and watch her eyes go wide.
“Really Daws. It’s just a few houses down from me. I got her.” Oh hell no, I’m not going to let this guy tell me he’s got her.
“Aubrey,” I make eye contact with her and hold her stare, “Who do you want to give you a ride?”
“I’m gonna go with Daws,” she says, her eyes never breaking contact with my own.
“Aubrey, can I talk to you for a minute?” Vito asks.
“Sure. I’ll be right back.”
I watch as she stands away from the bar talking with Vito. I can’t tell what is being said. I’m getting mad but I know I need to check myself. She hugs him, fucking hugs him. My nostrils flare as I breathe out trying to control my temper. She walks back over to me. I want to ask what was said, but I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing, and she did just choose me despite the shared hug.
I hop back over the bar, “You want to say goodbye to the girls first?” I ask knowing how chicks are.
“No. I told them I was going to grab water and head out.”
I take her hand in mine and we make our way towards the exit. My bike’s parked right out front. I’ve thought about Aubrey on my bike so many times.
“You have the bike? How am I going to ride with a skirt on?” She looks nervous.
“You ever ride before?”
“No. I thought you would have the Charger?”
“Not tonight. Tuck the dress under your legs and in between us. You’ll be close to me so it won't have much room to move anyways. You scared?”
“A little, but I’m excited too.”
“Well, how about we see how you do and if you’re comfortable we’ll just ride for a little bit? The weather isn’t that bad for Halloween, but it’s going to get cold around here real quick. Are you warm enough?” I look down at her and realize that there is no way she is going to be warm enough. I have a long sleeve thermal on under my vest. I take off my vest and peel off my thermal leaving me in a white wife beater then throw my vest back on. I pull the thermal over her head and she watches me with amusement.
“Wear this. It will keep you warmer.”
She laughs, “It seems you’re not giving me much choice.”
“Not really, no,” I smirk.
“Okay, well, let’s see how it is. It can't be worse than you showing me how you drive the Charger, right? I just can’t be out too late. Ari has a game in the morning.”
She’s mentioned to me Ari plays soccer. I’m thinking that it’s time to meet her.
“Oh really, what field is she at tomorrow?”
“Baker’s Field. It’s the worst. Half of the bleachers are too beat up to sit on, so you have to get there early if you want a seat.”
“I played there when I was a kid.”
“You did? I can’t see you….”
“What being all normal? I wasn’t really. It was one of the very short periods in my life that my mom wanted to act like a real mom. How about you? Did you do all kinds of normal shit?”
“God, no. I was in the sys... I mean my parents didn’t really do that kind of stuff.”
I grab her chin and make sure she is looking in my eyes, “I’ll tell you what? You don’t want to tell me something that’s okay, but don’t lie to me anymore. You’re a crap liar. Let’s take you home, okay?”
I secure my helmet on her head and put my riding glasses on her. I swing my leg over the bike and motion for her to get on behind me. She does like I instructed and tucks the dress tightly in between us. I flip down the back pegs and grab her calf, it’s strong and smooth. I want to lick it and have it wrapped around my shoulders, but instead I lift her leg and set her ruby slipper on the peg.
I start the bike, and the engine hums beneath us. She feels so good close to me. Her body is warm and inviting. She wraps her arms around me, and I can feel her breasts press into my back. My dick grows hard. I’m glad she can’t see it. I want to drive for hours with her. I want to claim her and make her mine, but she’s still keeping stuff from me and until she trusts me, I need to go slow. I ride down her street quicker than I really want. I turn off the bike and cruise into her drive careful not to wake her kid.
“Oh, we’re here so quick?” she asks.
“It’s colder than I thought,” I lie, “Plus, I know you have to get up early.” I help her off the bike and take the helmet off of her head. She takes the glasses off, hands them to me and stares at me. For a second, I swear I see the greens in her eyes flash a look of lust, but I can’t be certain.
“Thanks for the ride home and for being there earlier. Can I, um...hug you?” She asks nervously.
I don’t reply I just wrap my arms around her tight. I breathe in her sweet berry scent and feel her breasts push into my chest. God, I want so much more, but I can’t rush her. Something tells me I need to give her time. I just hope that whatever is haunting her can wait ‘til she is ready for me to protect her, because whether she knows it or not, I’m not letting her demons get her.
I watch her walk away and enter the house. I sit outside and see the light flicker on upstairs, glad I now know which one is her room. I slide the bar across my phone and make two calls. The first is to Remy; he’s good with computers and he helps us with club intel. I give him Aubrey’s name and tell him I want a background check done on her. I email him our employee information from a file saved on my phone. We have everyone’s ID’s scanned. The second call is to Skaggs.
“Hey Skaggs.” I wait for a second for him to go to an area where he can hear me. “I know it’s late but I need your help with a project.” He starts to gripe a bit, but whatever, “Yeah, I know the party’s still going on, but I’m callin’. Meet me at Mike’s Hardware.”
Chapter 10
Aubrey
“Ari! Let’s go, or we’re going to be late,” I scream up the stairs while trying to balance her ball and shin guards in one hand, and a small cooler in the other.
“Coming, Ma!” Gino hollers down the stairs pretending to be Ari. I hear her chuckle and the two come flying down the stairs.
“Have a good game, Ari,” Gino says.
“You too. Wish our games weren't at the same time,” Ari replies and smiles at him.
&n
bsp; It’s a short walk for us to Baker’s Field. Carlo wanted to drive us, but I told him no. It’s not a big deal for us to walk and I know he worked last night. He has to be tired and I don’t want to add anything to his load. If I’m honest with myself, I was restless last night after the ride with Daws. Being on the back of his bike felt right and exciting. I wanted to kiss him in the bathroom and again when I said goodbye. I wonder what would have happened had he made a move. Would my body have betrayed me? Would I have been able to enjoy it?
“Mom! Mom! Look!” An excited Ari tugs on my arm breaking me from my thoughts. I look up and see what her fuss is about. There are two new sets of bleachers constructed on each side of the field. I feel my heart pound, and for the first time, it’s not from panic. My smile is so big, my cheeks might hurt. Could this have been Daws? Could it just be a coincidence?
I take my spot on the bleachers and cheer Ari on as she runs down the field. I don't feel like I fit in with the other mom’s. I suppose that’s because I’m not old enough to be a mom. But they don't know that. Maybe it’s clear that I don’t know what I am doing. I sit by myself as the other moms huddle together.
I’m lost in the game. Ari scores a goal and I jump up and yell.
“She’s pretty good.”
I hear his deep rasp. I turn and see that Daws has taken a seat next to me. He has a clean white t-shirt on under his vest. His hair is wet like he just showered and pulled back into his tiny signature ponytail. A few strands look like they dried and are hanging around his face. I realize I am staring and finally open my mouth to speak.
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